Hi, ​,  

So, full disclosure: When I was a teenager, my doctor told me it might be difficult for me to get pregnant given some of the things that happened to my body as a result of the sexual abuse I endured as a child

And so, at the age of 16, I got comfortable with the idea of being childless. But life is full of surprises and at 24, I found out I was pregnant. I was, as the kids say, shook. I stumbled through the first months of my pregnancy in a daze, simultaneously terrified and elated.

And now, 25 years later, I wonder: If I hadn’t become pregnant, how would I feel now that my menstrual cycle is coming to a close? Would I still be alright with being childless?

Pregnancy can be such a fraught conversation. And then you add the topic of peri/menopause to it and it becomes even more complex and difficult. But the reality is, many women find that they want to have a child after 40. Many more women don’t know that while your estrogen and eggs may be on the decline, you can still get pregnant. For some women, that statement offers hope, but for others, it can trigger fear.

I am so grateful that the only pregnancy I had resulted in my beautiful daughter. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without her in it. Still, as I get closer to menopause, I can’t help but wonder how I would feel if my doctor’s prediction had been my reality.

It's common for women to question life decisions as their reproductive years end, so if you’re finding yourself doing so, you’re not alone. And every woman will have a different response. Some may grieve, some may feel a new sense of freedom, some may be ambivalent.

No matter what your questions or how you respond, remember to be kind to yourself. Take time to feel what you feel and honor that. You’ve got so much love and life in front of you!

~Vanessa

Can I have a baby after I hit menopause?

 As with everything, is to arm yourself with information. If you are wondering about how peri/menopause can affect pregnancy, we’ve compiled everything you need to know into this week’s read.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month: What does fresh fruit & vegetable mean?

How do you prefer your fruits and veggie? Picked at a farm, frozen, organic, or canned? They each have their pros and cons. The big difference between organic and non-organic produce is the pesticide levels. But remember: Not all pesticides can be removed. Consuming frozen fruits and vegetables can still be beneficial but some of the nutrition can be lost in the blanching process. With canned fruits and vegetables, salt is used for pickling, and sugar/syrups are used for canned fruit. This means that you really need to read labels to ensure you are still getting a healthy option. No matter which option you choose to consume your fruits and vegetables, it is a beneficial choice for your body! To celebrate Fruits and Vegetable Month try finding new fruits and vegetables to try at your local farmer’s market. Enjoy!